T.E.A. Issues Comprehensive Guidelines For 2020 Safe Return To On-Campus Instructions
The Texas Education Agency to- day announced comprehensive guidelines for students to return to school, prioritizing their health and safety while ensuring that students re- ceive quality instruction, whether they choose to learn in a safe on-campus environment or remotely.
City of Houston Seeks T.R.O., Files Lawsuit to Prevent the Texas General Land Office from Illegally Taking Control of $1.27 billion in Disaster Relief Funds
Today, Mayor Sylvester Turner announced the City of Houston filed a lawsuit seeking a Temporary Restraining Order and Temporary and Permanent Injunctions against the Texas General Land Office (GLO) and GLO Commissioner George P. Bush. The lawsuit filed in a Travis County State District Court, asks a judge to prevent the GLO from illegally taking control of $1.27 billion in disaster relief funds allocated by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the City of Houston’s Hurricane Harvey homeowners assistance program.
U.S. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee Endorses Royce West in Democratic Runoff U.S. Senate Race on July 14th
Royce West Has Served in Texas Since 1993
On Monday, July 6th, Houston Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee endorsed Texas State Sen. Royce West in the July 14th Democratic Primary Runoff for United States Senate. “Some electoral races are simply too important to not to be involved, and the Texas senatorial race is one of those races,” Jackson Lee said. “It is without hesitation that I endorse Senator Royce West.
REPORT: Miles Ahead Scholars Program Shows Overwelming Promise For H.I.S.D. Student Achievement
Inspiring Dialogue Through Online Social Movement
Less than a year ago, 60 ninth- and 10th-grade boys walked across Worthing High School’s cafeteria stage, signifying their acceptance into the inaugural class of HISD’s Miles Ahead Scholars (MAS) program.
Houston Native – Vanessa Guillen Participated in Mayor Turner’s Hire Houston Youth Program
Statement on U.S. Army Specialist Vanessa Guillen
Mayor Sylvester Turner joins Vanessa Guillen’s family, friends and the community in honoring the Houston native and Army Specialist.
Mayor Turner's Statement On Army Specialist Vanessa Guillen
Houston Native Participated in the Mayor's Hire Houston Youth Program
Mayor Sylvester Turner joins Vanessa Guillen's family, friends and the community in honoring the Houston native and Army Specialist.
H-E-B Celebrated Independence Day Honoring Men, Women and Families of the U.S. Armed Forces
Nominate an active duty service member for care package In-store purchases benefit military service member non-profits
H-E-B is profoundly grateful for the selfless sacrifice of America’s military heroes. As part of the year-round, companywide H-E-B Operation Appreciation campaign, stores across Texas celebrated Independence Day with additional opportunities for customers to support America’s military families online and in-store.
The Case for Mixed-Race Relationships
What is race? That four letter word that has plagued American culture since its inception, as it turns out, may not even be real, but rather a political and financial ruse used to manipulate and separate people.
Early Voting For The 2020 July Primary Runoffs Ends Friday
Polls Open From 7:00am to 10:00pm
The Harris County Clerk’s Office reminds citizens that Early Voting ends tomorrow, Friday, July 10. On the last day of Early Voting, all 57 voting centers throughout Harris County will remain open until 10 pm to allow voters with family and work obligations to cast their ballots and have their voices heard.
Amy Schumer takes viewers behind the scenes of her difficult pregnancy in 'Expecting Amy'
"I found out two days ago that I'm pregnant," Amy Schumer says tearfully at the start of the "Expecting Amy." "Maybe I'll document it or something." That translates into a three-part docuseries, and a test of one's fandom level toward the comic/actor, offering a very-personal account of her gestation process for two things: The baby she had last year, and a Netflix stand-up special.
'Glee' actress Naya Rivera is missing at a lake in California
Officials are investigating the disappearance of "Glee" actress Naya Rivera at a lake in Southern California as a "tragic accident," according to the Ventura County Sheriff's Office.
U.S. Senators and Key State Officials Praise Biden’s Build Back Better Plan
Even before COVID-19, Donald Trump and his administration continuously failed the American people and turned their backs on workers. The national pandemic shed a harsh light on Republicans’ priorities — putting wealth over hard work. Today, Joe Biden released his “Build Back Better” plan, which will create jobs, invest in a comprehensive manufacturing and innovation strategy, and protect the rights of workers.
Texas A&M System to analyze racial profiling data from police stops
Tarleton State University’s Dr. Alex del Carmen will lead scholars and academicians from across the Texas A&M University System to analyze data racial profiling reported by law enforcement agencies.
NFL and Pluto TV Announce Extended Partnership, Continuing Iconic Lineup of Award-Winning Content, Game Replays and More
Pluto TV's NFL Channel Will Feature Programming Dedicated to the NFL's 100th Season Celebration, Plus Action-Packed Games and Moments From Years Past, Classic Highlights, Past Seasons of NFL Films Award-Winning Series "Hard Knocks" and More
Council Connection for Monday, July 6
At their Monday, July 6 Virtual Regular Meeting, Councilmembers authorized the execution of a professional services contract for the design of the Parks Department maintenance facility; authorized the negotiation and execution of a contract for the remodeling of Fire Station No. 3 and No. 4.; approved a resolution finding a public purpose and ratifying certain donations related to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) disaster. Here is a rundown of all Council actions at the meeting:
HISD Media Statement On the 2020-2021 School Year
With safety at the forefront of our decisions, we are finalizing the reopening plan for the 2020-2021 school year.
State Fair Of Texas Canceled For First Time Since World War II
For the first time since WWII, The State Fair of Texas will not open in response to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The announcement was made via Youtube on Tuesday.
Your Viewing Guide to Today’s Cinco de Mayo Altísimo Live Music and Pop Culture Web Stream Festival Benefitting Farmworkers’ Pandemic Relief Fund
LO, Eugenio Derbez, Wilmer Valderamma, others will join broadcast to support America’s farmworkers
70% of Student Loan Borrowers Successful in Asking for Relief Amid Pandemic
Student debt resource platform Student Loan Hero just released the findings of a survey that polled more than 1,000 private student loan borrowers on whether they were granted any type of payment relief from their lenders amid the pandemic.
Miles Ahead Scholars program boosts student grades, attendance in inaugural year
The inaugural year of the Houston Independent School District’s Miles Ahead Scholars (MAS) program for students at Wheatley, Worthing, and Kashmere high schools resulted in decreases in discipline problems and increases in grades and attendance rates, according to an internal study by the district.
The Black Lives Matter Movement is the Enemy of African Americans
The first thing that I have to say is that I am an African American man living in the Minneapolis area. I have to state this now; otherwise I would probably be called a racist.
H-E-B Celebrates Independence Day Honoring Men, Women and Families of the U.S. Armed Forces
Nominate an active duty service member for care package; In-store purchases benefit military service member non-profits
H-E-B is profoundly grateful for the selfless sacrifice of America’s military heroes. As part of the year-round, companywide H-E-B Operation Appreciation campaign, stores across Texas will celebrate Independence Day with additional opportunities for customers to support America’s military families online and in-store.
Lynn Clouser for City Council At-Large Position #2 in November
Lynn Clouser, long-time Missouri City resident, volunteer and advocate, continues a legacy of civic leadership by announcing her candidacy for city council.
As Trump Administration Works To Overturn Affordable Care Act, Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher Speaks on House Floor To Protect Health Care for Texans
Today, Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) took to the House floor to speak on the importance of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Enhancement Act for Texas’ Seventh Congressional District.
Soul Of A Nation: Art In The Age of Black Power New Exhibition At The Museum For Fine Arts
Exhibition Runs Through August 30th
Beginning today, Saturday, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, presents Soul of a Nation: Art in the Age of Black Power, featuring work by more than 60 Black artists and exploring what it meant to be a Black artist in America during two revolutionary decades, from the 1960s to the early 1980s. In thematic sections, Soul of a Nation showcases artists from across the United States, with an emphasis on groups in New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles; a special focus on artist Betye Saar; and a dedicated section on Houston artists.
New Black-Owned Business W.O.W Ice Emerges From Ashes Of Pulse Night Club Tragedy During COVID-19
A new Black-owned business is emerging from the tragedy at the Pulse night club in Orlando in 2016. W.O.W Ice is opening today, under the operation of Alex Murray, whose sister, Akyra Murray, was killed.
Congressman Colin Allred and Texas State Senator José Menéndez Host Roundtable on the Impact of COVID-19 in Texas
Yesterday, as hospitalizations related to COVID-19 continued to rise in Texas, Biden for President hosted a roundtable on the virus’s impact with Texas Congressman Colin Allred and Texas State Senator José Menéndez. The discussion centered on Joe Biden’s Plan to Beat COVID-19 and Plan for an Effective Re-Opening That Jumpstarts the Economy.
The Texas Democratic Party on Texas Republicans Holding an In-Person Convention in the Biggest Coronavirus Hotspot in the Country
Texas Democratic Party Chair Gilberto Hinojosa issued the following statement:
Biden for President Announces Latino Leadership Committee Co-Chaired by Former Secretaries Ken Salazar and Hilda L. Solis
The Latino Leadership Committee Will Consist of State and Local Leaders from Across the Country to Mobilize the Latino Vote
Today, Biden for President announced its Latino Leadership Committee, which includes a core group of Latino leaders who will work closely with campaign leadership to engage Latino voters and communicate how Joe Biden will fight for Latino families. The Committee will work closely with campaign leadership to recruit talent in battleground states, provide input on policy initiatives, engage community leaders, and provide input on Latino outreach. Los Angeles Supervisor and former Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis and former Colorado United States Senator and Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar will serve as co-chairs of the Committee, which is composed of leaders from Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin. The Committee was established to reflect the diversity within the Latino community.
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. Donates $50,000 to National Urban League
Funds to benefit the organization's Youth Division
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. will donate $50,000 to the National Urban League to aid the civil rights organization's youth programming, the fraternity announced today.
Rep. Coleman Calls on Governor Abbott to Prohibit Dining in Restaurants Until COVID-19 Surge is Ended
Today, State Representative Garnet F. Coleman (D-Houston) called on Governor Abbott to issue an order to prohibit on-premises dining until the spike in COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and positivity rate has been reversed.
Frederick Joseph Raises over One Million Dollars To Help Twitter and Instagram Followers with #RentRelief During COVID19
New York author and creator of the #BlackPantherChallenge, Frederick Joseph, raised over $1,000,000 through his #RentRelief campaign on GoFundMe to help families who find themselves in a difficult moment paying bills during COVID19. Frederick began the #RentRelief effort on Friday, March 27th and quickly raised $250,000. He was joined in his effort by four other campaigns, who collectively helped reach the million-dollar mark.
Singer-Songwriter RALPH TRESVANT Releases Smash New Single ALL MINE featuring JOHNNY GILL
"ALL MINE" was produced by Gregg Pagani and written by Francesca Francci Richard, Jeffrey Brent Anderson, Sean Tsai and Gregg Pagani. The beautifully performed duet is available on all streaming and download platforms now, via the SRG ILS/UMG label imprint.
NRG Energy Supports Houston Area Urban League Toward Combatting Racial Inequities, Injustice and Related Violence
On June 30th, the Houston Area Urban League (HAUL) announced that it will be the recipient of a $25,000 donation from NRG Energy, parent company to Reliant and part of a $1 million donation toward organiza- tions and initiatives such as HAUL that combat racial inequalities, injustice and related violence.
Jesse Jackson: College Athletes Should Decide Whether to Take the Risk
The NCAA has just ruled that mandatory football practices can begin in July, anticipating a full season of college football. This is nuts. The pandemic isn't going away; it's surging in more than 29 states, with seven reporting new records for cases in a day. States that opened early without adequate safeguards - Texas, Florida, Arizona - now face a spread of the pandemic that may soon exhaust the supply of hospital beds.
Mayor Sylvester Turner Has Issued COVID-19 Safety Recommendations for the Next 3 Weeks
Mayor Sylvester Turner has made new recommendations for #Houstonians to follow over the next 3 weeks to blunt the progression
Governor Abbott Establishes Statewide Face Covering Requirement, Issues Proclamation To Limit Gatherings
Releases Video Message Urging Texans To Protect Themselves And Their Loved Ones From COVID-19
Governor Greg Abbott today issued an Executive Order requiring all Texans to wear a face covering over the nose and mouth in public spaces in counties with 20 or more positive COVID-19 cases, with few exceptions. The Governor also issued a proclamation giving mayors and county judges the ability to impose restrictions on some outdoor gatherings of over 10 people, and making it mandatory that, with certain exceptions, people cannot be in groups larger than ten and must maintain six feet of social distancing from others.
The Largest Dating App for Black Singles - Features "Educate An Ally"
Inspiring Dialogue Through Online Social Movement
BLK, the largest dating app for Black singles, launched a new in-app engagement entitled #BLKVoices to create a space for users to sound-off and express their views on timely social and cultural topics. In support of and inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement that spurred a global call for action, the first #BLKVoices initiative, Educate An Ally, will prompt users to share their thoughts on how non-Black allies can help the Black community in the continued fight for racial equality and justice.
City of Houston, Harris County and Coalition for the Homeless Announce Joint $65M Plan to House 5,000 People Experiencing Homelessness
Coordinated Permanent Housing Initiative will Limit the Spread of COVID-19
The City of Houston, Harris County, and the Coalition for the Homeless today announced a joint, $65-million plan to house 5,000 people experiencing homelessness over the next two years to limit the spread of COVID-19. The Community-wide COVID-19 Housing Program (CCHP) represents an unprecedented coordinated effort on the part of the City and the County to address homelessness in the region.
Beyoncé Film “Black Is King” to Debut on Disney+ on July 31 (WATCH TRAILER)
Queen Bey’s “Black Parade” continues. And heading into July, she brings us the King.
Candice Carty-Williams and Bernadine Evaristo Become 1st Black Authors to Win Top British Book Awards
Candice Carty-Williams and Bernardine Evaristo just won Book of the Year and Author of the Year at the British Book Awards, respectively, becoming the first Black authors to win these top prizes.
NASA’s Headquarters to be Renamed in Honor of its 1st Black Woman Engineer, “Hidden Figure” Mary W. Jackson
NASA announced Wednesday the agency’s headquarters building in Washington, D.C., will be named after Mary W. Jackson, the first African American female engineer at NASA.
Netflix Moves $100 Million to Black-Led Banks to Help Build Economic Opportunity in Black Communities
Netflix announced today it is shifting $100 million of its cash to financial institutions that serve the Black community to draw attention to the racial wealth gap in America.
Governor Abbott, HHSC Announce Extension Of Emergency SNAP Benefits During COVID-19 Pandemic
Governor Greg Abbott today announced that the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) will provide approximately $182 million in emergency Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) food benefits for the month of July as the state continues to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. HHSC received federal approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to extend the maximum, allowable amount of SNAP benefits to recipients based on family size.
JOIN US ON JULY 3RD for our VIRTUAL BBQ
On a day meant to celebrate America, in a time most aren’t feeling most patriotic, FIRE FROM THE GODS is proud to present the JULY 4TH VIRTUAL BBQ as a reminder that United We Stand and Divided we will fall. Join us as we raise funds for social justice organization, UNTIL FREEDOM, with performances and messages from some of our favorite artists and activists.
The Alliance for Aviation Across America Welcomes Priorities for Rural America in Recent Legislation
Today, the Alliance for Aviation Across America welcomed passage of H.R. 2, the Moving Forward Act. Specifically, the organization recognized the inclusion of $30 million through 2025 for the development of sustainable fuel and technologies, as well as $4 billion through 2025 for the Airport Improvement Program (AIP). The bill also included $3 billion out of the General Fund for 2021, which will increase by $250 million per year up to $4 billion in 2025, and provides critically needed funding for airports around the country.
Black Woman-Owned Marketplace Launches Kickstarter to Foster Black Economic Growth
HellaBlack, a Black-owned online marketplace launches August 2020
All women Black-owned technology company launches HellaBlack, an e-commerce marketplace for Black retailers and Black enthusiasts this August 2020.
Hip-Hop Recording Artist RHYAN LAMARR Releases Visuals For His New Single, "RELIEF" Lifted From His Debut Album, Rhyan LaMarr's: "aPERFECTmess (Volume 1)
"RELIEF" was written by Rhyan LaMarr and produced by Mod G., Jack Red & Rhyan LaMarr. The inspirational Hip-hop single features Rhyan LaMarr alongside Canon, John Givez, nobigdyl., Kris Noel, Byron Juane and Jack Red and is lifted from Rhyan's upcoming debut album, "Red Guerrilla Entertainment Presents- Rhyan Lamarr's: aPERFECTmess (Volume1)", available now on all streaming platforms, via the Empire/RMG Amplify label imprint. The powerful "RELIEF" music video was directed and conceptualized by Rhyan LaMarr.
REP. JOAQUIN CASTRO ENDORSES ROYCE WEST FOR U.S. SENATE
Congressman Joaquin Castro (D-San Antonio) on Thursday announced he was throwing his support behind Sen. Royce West in the July 14 Democratic Primary Runoff for U.S. Senate.
MTV Studios re-unites with Academy Award® winners Phil Lord and Chris Miller to re-imagine “Clone High” with Emmy®-nominated co-creator Bill Lawrence
Emmy-winning Erica Rivinoja will serve as showrunner and will co-write the pilot alongside Lord and Miller
MTV Studios (part of the Entertainment and Youth Group), a unit of ViacomCBS, announced today that Academy Award and Golden Globe®-winning creators Phil Lord and Chris Miller will reimagine the iconic “Clone High” television series with Emmy®-nominated co-creator Bill Lawrence.
